Hiking with camping in the backcountry, carrying all necessary equipment in one's backpack.
6
votes
5answers
78 views
What can I use to label my medicine tubes?
For my first aid kit, all of the medications are repackaged. I use nalgene snaptop vials like these.
I have found that even permanent sharpie marker rubs off fairly quickly when hiking. I can ...
6
votes
3answers
152 views
How can you make a MSR WhisperLite stove simmer?
MSR WhisperLite backpacking stoves are ubiquitous, but they lack a key function: the ability to simmer easily. How can you set a WhisperLite to simmer without having to constantly watch the stove and ...
6
votes
2answers
66 views
How can I locate the leak in a inflatable pad
I went camping last trip and my nice inflated pad... deflated. I always carry a patch kit but I discovered another issue: I couldn't find the leak. The leak was small. It took quite a while of me ...
6
votes
2answers
153 views
Tips for travelling through Europe with just a tent
Myself and my girlfriend are hoping to start off in the Netherlands and hitchhike our way down to the south of Spain through various French towns / cities.
We are planning on just bringing sleeping ...
6
votes
2answers
155 views
In what conditions is a four-season tent needed?
Growing up hiking the southern Appalachians, I've never actually needed a four season tent. However we are starting to look at hikes around the country where the temperatures and conditions get worse ...
6
votes
2answers
203 views
What type of pole can be used for trout while backpacking?
Several of the places we hike every year have trout. I'd like to have some fresh fish on a couple of those hikes but I'm pretty new to trout fishing and I don't want to carry the weight of full ...
6
votes
2answers
132 views
Is there a portable / comfortable pillow suitable for camping / backpacking?
I quite like my pillows to give a lot of lift - I usually sleep with two relatively beefy ones. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a good equivalent whilst camping, with the normal pillows ...
6
votes
2answers
120 views
How is “pack weight” measured
In ultralight or lightweight hiking, "pack weight" is a very common number to discuss. What does pack weight exclude? Is it limited to just what's in your pack, or does it also include clothes, ...
6
votes
1answer
106 views
When is it too cold for Tarping?
I'm looking to get a tarp, and considering when I want to go out with it. My three season tent with the rain fly has pretty good heat retention, and while it doesn't get toasty, it does stay warmer ...
6
votes
3answers
71 views
What should I look for in hiking binoculars
I'd like a pair of binoculars for hiking. I don't have a specific use other than for looking off of overlooks, at animals, etc. What are the important things to look for in a good set of binoculars? ...
6
votes
2answers
159 views
Can I mix fuels when using the MSR whisperlite international stove?
I have an MSR whisperlite international stove. Can I mix fuels when both require the same jet?
Background: When backpacking I often just carry one fuel bottle, filled with white gas. On my last trip ...
6
votes
2answers
107 views
How do I reseal a tent bottom with many pinprick holes
Our tent pan has a LOT of very tiny holes in it. We've never had to use a footprint, and our tent has always kept water out, but that is no longer the case. I don't want to carry a footprint due to ...
5
votes
1answer
67 views
Trekking Pole Length
I was recently convinced to buy a pair of trekking poles for backpacking. But how long should they be?
What is the optimal length to adjust my trekking poles, when carrying a heavy pack?
I have ...
5
votes
1answer
57 views
What is a “fast pack” setup for a tent?
Reading around forums and in products, I see descriptions and weights for a "fast pack" setup for tents. What does this mean and what is it used for?
5
votes
2answers
76 views
How do you determine current trail conditions before going on a hike?
In addition to getting the current weather report on the day of a hike, how does one find out if the trails are currently in good shape and what kind of gear may be necessary that day (i.e. crampons)?
...
5
votes
2answers
81 views
What are some good gluten-free foods for backpacking?
I have quite unfortunately found out several months ago that I'm gluten sensitive. Nearly all my meals I've planned and eaten on the trail have included wheat, and thus gluten, in them in some ...
5
votes
2answers
64 views
Minimizing impact of small groups on wilderness areas
I have been given conflicting information for how to minimize the impact of traveling in small groups in wilderness areas.
For groups traveling off-trail in areas where it is appropriate I have heard ...
5
votes
2answers
139 views
Advantages to hammock camping on multi-night trips
This question asks what the downsides are to hammock camping, but doesn't really address the reasons why you would want to sleep in a hammock to camp.
Let's say I'm backpacker new to the idea of ...
5
votes
1answer
431 views
How to reduce pain of wasp stings
Assuming I am not allergic, or showing signs of allergic reaction, what's the best way to treat multiple yellow jacket (a type of wasp) stings in the outdoors while hiking/backpacking?
My key concern ...
4
votes
4answers
198 views
While backpacking, should one bring hand sanitizer, soap, or both?
What are the advantages of hand sanitizer over soap on a backpacking trip? Do they fulfill the same purpose?
What would you recommend for hand sanitization?
4
votes
3answers
145 views
How should we split up a 3 person tent?
If carrying a three person tent when backpacking, what's the recommended way to split it up so that the weight is balanced out among all three people going?
4
votes
3answers
92 views
Should food be in a bear bag/canister even when I'm hiking?
I've read that in the western US, backpackers need bear canisters or bear bags, for bears or for other animals. For example, a post comparing different methods is here. I must admit I'm a bit ...
4
votes
3answers
86 views
Can I get away with less advanced food storing methods if backpacking in areas where meeting bears is unlikely?
A page like this one, as well as a number of questions on this site, discuss how to pack food safely from bears.
What about other animals?
This post advices a pretty sophisticated way to protect food ...
4
votes
4answers
82 views
How small is “too small” for tent guylines?
In my ongoing effort to cut tent weight we have replaced stakes, changed ground pads, and we're looking at replacing the guylines (no really, it's amazing how much cordage weighs!).
At what diameter ...
4
votes
1answer
123 views
What kind of Tyvek is suitable for footprint material
When buying Tyvek online, there appear to be a myriad of options and numbers. Which numbers are suitable for making a tent footprint?
Known numbers: 1443R, 1622E, 10G, 10GX, 1460, RV, 14M... (may ...
4
votes
1answer
56 views
Are there something like student mountain guides clubs in Western Europe?
Student mountain guides clubs are very active in Poland. They are organizing non-commercial mountain backpacking trips, where participants have to pay only their part of costs, such as when you travel ...
3
votes
3answers
202 views
Are 35mm film canisters safe for holding spices?
Some of you may remember 35mm film** and the black cases it came in. I have a few lying around, and have seen people use them as backpacking salt and pepper shakers. I have also heard that's a good ...
3
votes
1answer
138 views
How much garlic in the mountain kitchen? [closed]
How much garlic should I use in the mountain kitchen during backpacking camps?
I'm asking from the perspective of the person who wants to plan such a camp and the menu on it. Walking a lot with a ...
3
votes
1answer
79 views
How to seam seal Tyvek?
Tyvek generally comes in 4' and 5' wide sheets. To make a suitable tarp, footprint, groundcloth, etc. I will need to sew together a couple of sheets. How do I seam seal the Tyvek to prevent leaking ...
3
votes
0answers
42 views
Two to four day backpacking trip in Washington for May
I am looking for a backpacking trip somewhere between two and four days long in Washington that is possible to do under current conditions (May). Any recommendations?
2
votes
1answer
55 views
Art supplies on backpacking trips
I have always been inspired by the sketches and watercolors of explorers, cartographers and scientists who lived before the invention of photography. I have tried bringing watercolors myself, but ...
1
vote
1answer
62 views
Rapid backpack readying
I have noticed that preparing a backpack for a 1-2-10 day trip can take up to 3 hours. I would like to cut this time way down.
Concerning this, I have had several ideas:
Have a the pack outfitted ...
1
vote
0answers
11 views
Memorial Day Backpacking in the Northwest
I've been set on getting my feet wet with backpacking this year. I did my first overnight trip along Thunder Creek a couples weeks ago, and was hoping to do a 3-day trip for Memorial Day weekend.
My ...
1
vote
0answers
13 views
How to prevent bear bag line from tangling?
While backpacking, I usually carry 50 feet of spectra cord (2mm) to be used as part of my bear bagging system. More often than I would like, I end up having to untangle the line before being able to ...
0
votes
1answer
60 views
What are a few backpacking foods that have the calories yet are lightweight? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the most efficient food to take a for a 12-15 day hiking trip?
A list of suitable foods for a long hike
I normally carry brown rice, oatmeal, instant potatoes, ...
